11 of the most interesting photos taken by the International Space Station - Interesting Engineering

The International Space Station or ISS has captured the hearts and imagination of nations around the world, a symbol for which humanity is in space and where it eventually plans to go.

Weighing in 861,804 lbs or 391,000 kg, the space station is an impressive piece of engineering.

The international space station

Completed as a multinational project between 1998 and 2011, ISS is the largest structure created by the man that humanity has ever launched in space.

At the beginning of 2018, 230 people from 18 countries have set foot on the station (or float through).

Currently, the ISS flies at an average altitude of 248 miles above the Earth, turning around the globe at a huge level 28,000 km / h.

Even more interesting is the fact that the station can be seen with the human eye at night, moving through the night sky.

The technology for routine routing of vehicles and satellites in space will be tested on @ Space Station when the experiment of the robotic refueling mission 3 arrives next @SpaceX#Dragon, scheduled for launch on December 4th! https://t.co/GeViUR4qDI pic.twitter.com/dijo7ypfdD

So, why exactly does the ISS float in the orbit of the earth? The main purpose of the International Space Station is to provide an international laboratory with a space environment.

However, while up there in space, the station has captured impressive images of the little blue marble you call home and the terrifying beauty of space.

Here are some of the most beautiful photos captured by the International Space Station.

Your galactic home

Source: NASA

The images of the Earth make sense, however, take a full shot of stars of your place in the galaxy puts things in perspective.

Taken by the ISS Terry Virts astronaut, the shot captures the subtle curvature of the earth as it is touched by the sunlight in the distance.

Above the horizon, we see a show that could make any magazine cover. With the Sun in the distance, you can see the vastness of space and billions of stars that make up only a small part of the universe.

northern Lights

Source: NASA

Aurora Borealis has always fascinated people on earth and is considered an incredible experience on the part of those who have had the fortunate experience of seeing them in the northern night sky.

However, probably there is no better place for the light show than on the International Space Station.

Like the tapes that perform above the Earth, they look beautiful and slightly terrifying. For those who do not know, the lights are caused by solar winds, cosmic rays and plasma that strike and interact with the Earth's atmosphere.

The midnight sun

Source: NASA

Taken by an ISS scientist, the photo captures a beautiful phenomenon that occurs in the Alaska region.

The photo highlights how the atmosphere of the Earth can alter your perspective and change the way you see things in the sky. Taken in August when Alaska receives 24 hours of sunlight, the sunlight in the photo is reflected by the highest clouds of the earth's atmosphere or by "noctilucent" clouds.

Night in Scandinavia

Source: NASA

With Aurora borealis in the background, the shot highlights both the beauty of the Earth and the humans that inhabit the planet.

The shot contains the lights of the northern city and the sunlight that just kisses the horizon. A shot that would surely have humiliated many of those who were on the ISS.

Richat structure

Source: NASA

Scientists at the International Space Station have not only seen impressive things in space but a lot of natural, geographical, artificial and even biological events from the stations. The Mauritania Richat Structure is on that list.

Known as the Eye of the Sahara, the structure resembles that of a colorful swirling hurricane with its multicolored rings and concentric circles.

The formation appeared due to countless years of erosion of a sedimentary dome, which subsequently exposed the layers to the air and the surrounding environment.

Red Sprites

Source: NASA

Like something in a science fiction movie, red sprites seem something of the paranormal.

Which occur during an active storm, the red sprites are huge electric shocks. Nothing like your traditional lighting, red sprites are explosions of energy at much lower temperatures.

Taken from the ISS on Mexico, the shot offers a different perspective on a natural event so common.

The moon

Source: NASA

You can not forget the moon. Rising high above the planet, the moon is a staple and a strong representation of the current relationship between humanity and space.

Taken by a crew member of Expedition 29 on the International Space Station, another example of how the Earth's atmosphere influences your perspective on the planet.

It is good to mention that at its current speed, the ISS could easily travel to the moon in less than a day if able.

Las Vegas

Source: NASA

What happens in Las Vegas may not stay in Las Vegas. This city is full of lights and anything else you can imagine looks like a beacon gleaming in space, surrounded by the emptiness of the desert.

Taken by Chris Hadfield on the ISS, the photo shows how the city appears at maximum brightness. On any given summer day the city could generate 8000 megawatts of energy.

L & # 39; Himalayas

Source: NASA

From the Earth, the Himalayas is already an extraordinary natural feat that inspires the brave to venture into the region.

This blow from the ISS highlights the Chinese and Indian border and the snow that populates its areas. With his 500 meters, deep canyons the rivers have painted streaks throughout the region.

Phytoplankton Bloom

Source: NASA

Caused by microscopic plants that float in the upper layers and illuminated by the ocean sun, the plankton blooms are interesting phenomena that occur in the animal kingdom and occur on a large scale.

Taken from Chris Hadfield, the shot shows that even some of the smallest creatures on earth can be captured on film by the ISS.

Laguna Colorada

Source: NASA

Part of the Bolivian Andes Mountains, this shows one of Bolivia's most enchanting lakes. located 4300m above sea level, the lake from the rustic aspect is colored brown by the algae that thrive in its salt water.

IScome more, interesting, the 10 km the shallow lake can even change colors throughout the year, going from orange to yellow, to green. Another fantastic shot from the international space Railway station.

What is your favorite shot from the International Space Station? Leave your comments below.